"Too Much Power for the Mayor."

Mr. Nutter is incorrect in challenging the ruling that he needs Philadelphia City Council approval to close the city's libraries.

Without checks and balances in place, Mr. Nutter will cut/close every social service and education program in the city.

Does the mayor have more power than the President, Congress or the U.S. Supreme Court? The last I checked our country is guided by the "checks and balance" system provided by the U.S. Constitution which-- also pertains to elected officials in Philadelphia.

We must begin to review and re-write Philadelphia’s governmental laws the provide the mayor with "too much power." We have unfortunately, witnessed what happens on a national level when one abuses the power of the office of the President of the U.S.

Conversely, the best that could happen if Mr. Nutter loses the "power" to close city owned buildings is that he will no longer have autonomy to dismantle Philadelphia and future mayor's will know that the power of the mayor's office is not absolute--nor is it infinite!

Best Regards,

"What Should Israel Do?"

When the Hamas believe that their very existence predicates on the destruction of Jews--what should Israel do? When Hamas teach their children to "hate" Jews..what should Israel do?

When Hamas think Adolph Hitler was wrong--because he did not finish the job of eradicating the Jews in Europe...what should Israel do? When Hamas murder innocent civilians and consider it collateral damage--what should Israel do? When the rest of the world criticizes Israel for defending itself from tyranny and terrorist attacks--what should Israel do?

When a group decides that their very existence predicates on the "obliteration" of Native Americans, Latin Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and Caucasians...what would you do?


Best Regards,

“Decade of Uncertainty.”

Jan 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009 should be called the “Decade of Uncertainty.” During the decade, there were many unexpected events that occurred such as the 2000 Presidential election which required the U.S. Supreme Court to decide the outcome, the terrorist attacks on our country during 9/11, the betrayal of the President of the U.S., the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the world economic crisis, and the loss of America’s standing as the world leader.

During the first decade of the 21st century, we witnessed sports heroes like Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, and Michael Vick betray our trust, illiteracy and violence among our youth skyrocketed out of control, “Hurricane Katrina,” the collapse of our infrastructure, genocide and corruption in Africa, the demise of the auto industry and the “bailout” that has not benefitted the poor, the working poor, or middle class Americans.

The Decade of Uncertainty did, however, bring the historical 2008 Presidential campaign where we witnessed the election of the first African American as President of the United States and with it, the chance to call the second decade of the 21st century-- “A Decade of Hope.” The election of Barack Obama showed the world that Americans plan to retake their reputation as a world leader by electing a man who can lead us back to our previous greatness and move ahead to future triumphs. This election has proven America to be a country united during a crisis in spite of diversity of race, religion, or political beliefs. The fact that a man who is a “minority” in our country could be so loved, cherished, and supported by the “majority” of people is the greatest show of “hope” for the start of the new decade.

Happy New Year.

"But At What Cost?"

My fellow Philadelphians/Americans,

I am no supporter of O.J., but is the sentence of 33yrs. in prison justice or “payback”?

This guilty verdict was thirteen years in the making, and our judicial system was vigorous in its efforts in putting Mr. Simpson behind bars. Imagine the world if we were as vigilant in capturing Bin Laden, ending poverty, illiteracy, racism, domestic and child abuse, violence, torture, curing cancer and HIV/AIDS.

Let’s be candid--O.J. did not help his cause either from writing a book about the double homicide of his wife and Ronald Goldman (that was not published because of public outrage) to what seemed like his everyday run-ins with the law. Clearly, there is plenty of blame to dole out.

In closing this sad and tragic chapter in America, O.J. Simpson finally goes to prison. It took more than ten years and millions of dollars at the expense of taxpayers. You can also be assured he’s going to do all 33 years before he tastes freedom again, but at what cost to the American Justice System? Was he guilty of his most recent crime that warranted the aforementioned length of time in prison or for being exonerated for his past transgressions?

Not only was O.J. Simpson on trial, but so was our justice system!

"Are We On The Same Page?"

Even before the economic collapse of 2008, there were more American children that were going hungry in than in the past ten years.

Recently, the Department of Agriculture reported that because of financial instability, more than 312,000 households cut back on food for children in 2007, up from 221,000 in 2006. The federal government expects 2008 to paint an even “grimmer” picture.

There are $30 million Americans on food stamps--1 in 10 Americans…African Americans, Caucasians, Latinos, Asians and Native American are recipients. A $700 billion dollar bailout that’s proven to be ineffective, 1 million Americans have lost their jobs, (and counting), two wars, an education system for the world to mock and finally…a President who by far is the worst in U.S. history (James Buchannon the 15th President was considered the worst until George W. Bush) stands pat and does nothing to stop the spiraling downhill disasters.

Enough already! Perhaps we are asking too much from our so-called leaders in our city, state, and country. It is time for you, me, and anyone else who’s exhausted about the state of our economy, education, the healthcare system, and families to start creating opportunities in our communities.

Folks, the days of marching in the streets demanding change is over! We can no longer hold onto the “dogmas of the past.” Those who came before us did this with the hope that we build upon the foundation--not build on the foundation. Action, action, action will be the motivating force to move our communities in a new direction.

Before his death, a young reporter asked Frederick Douglas what should be done to continue to progress? Douglas said “Agitate, agitate, agitate.”

Lets’ begin to move in the same direction…all of our futures depend upon it.